Identifying Independent and
Dependent Clauses: Practice 2
Answer Key
An independent clause, also known as a simple sentence, includes a subject
and verb and expresses a complete thought.
Example: Juliet, a border collie
puppy, prefers to chase apples and pears.
Subject
Verb
A dependent clause has a subject and verb, is introduced by a subordinate
conjunction or a relative pronoun, but does not express a complete
thought. A dependent clause is not a complete sentence.
Example: Because
the heavy rains flooded the entrance to the subdivision.
Sub.
Conj. Subject Verb
Example:
After Laura carefully read the
assigned chapter.
Sub.
Conj. Subject Verb
Determine whether the underlined word groups are dependent clauses,
independent clauses, or not a clause.
1. Juan continued playing although he injured his knee.
Dependent clause
sub. con. S Verb
2. I thought that the offer was too good to be true. Dependent
clause (introduced by the relative pronoun that)
3. While I was scrubbing the floors, Juliet was watching television.
Dependent clause
4. Although tired and grumpy, Laura agreed to babysit for her
sister-in-law. Not a clause--no subject, no verb
5. Inspired and energized, Sean solved the case of the missing energy
drink. Independent clause
6. While driving home from spring break, Maria saw a tornado touch
down. Not a clause--no subject
7. People who drink and drive
should be arrested. Dependent clause
8. Ever since my daughter
purchased a ferret, I have noticed that authors describe their bad
guys as
ferret-like. Dependent clause
9. Such descriptions are not
fair to ferrets. Independent clause
10. Since I could not go to the Pancake Breakfast, I gave away my
tickets.